The Suzuki Fronx is a budget-friendly crossover coupé
Prashirwin Naidu
Suzuki Fronx is eyeing the buyer with affordability, reliability and practicality. The all-new compact crossover Coupé Suzuki Fronx has all these qualities. Design-wise, the Japanese brand has adopted a different style approach with the Suzuki Fronx.
From the get-go, it's essentially a raised Suzuki Baleno incorporating the same Heartect platform and embodies some of the elements from the Grand Vitara in the front-end design; it has a boxy and squared-off look. It also incorporates LED daytime running headlights as well.
Now, the matte black body plastic cladding from the side creates a sense of toughness. It also has higher ground clearance at 170mm. It's paired with these 16-inch alloy wheels in a black finish. These high-profile tyres and the raised suspension make for a safe commute, especially on our pothole-ridden roads, making handling those steep and bumpy roads easier.
Towards the rear, you have a sloping rear end, which brings in the coupé-like design. I like the elongated brake light; it has a modern and futuristic twist.
Now, boot space is not the biggest; it measures about 304l and is deep. With all the rear seats down, one can achieve 604l.
Getting into the cabin, it feels well-built inside, although the side panels are a little tinny. However, I like the cocooned feel inside the Fronx; the seats are comfortable and can be manually operated. I also like the brown door and seat upholstery, which helps break up the black and grey colours.
This being the high-grade GLX guise, you have electric windows front and back, keyless entry, push-button start, climate control, wireless charging, a head-up display, a nine-inch infotainment system, and a reverse camera with surround view. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The space is sufficient in the rear, and you also have dual rear-mounted USB charging points. One is a type A, and next to it is a type C, along with two rear ISOFIX mounting points for the little ones.
You also have stability control, ABS braking, and cruise control. If you opt for the top-spec GLX model, you also have six airbags, including curtain airbags, which are most important in terms of safety.
The Suzuki Fronx is powered by a 1.5l four-cylinder naturally aspirated motor paired with a 4-speed auto transmission. Power is just enough. Fastness is where it lacks; it may need a little more kick and gets noisy occasionally at higher speeds. Power output is 77kW and 138Nm; I like that it's not a turbocharged motor, which means the engine's longevity will last well in time, and frugality will make up for it, too.
Day-to-day driving in the fuel consumption department Suzuki says claimed consumption is 5.5l per 100km through a 37-litra tank. I achieved a frugal 6.1l per 100km from simple highway crushing back and forth to work.
Pricing starts at R279,900 for the GL model. The fancier GLX costs R315,900. Add R20,000 to both if you want a four-speed automatic over the five-speed manual.
The Suzuki Fronx might be a strong contender to its rivals, including the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonnet, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and the VW T-Cross. It also comes with an inclusive five-year/ 200,000km warranty plan.
Save for one or two qualms in the power stakes and a modest interior, the Suzuki Fronx is excellent for the price and might be a compelling pick for the conscious budget-driven buyer.
But certainly, one gets more for your money with the Suzuki Fronx.
